Swimming is a unique sport in the NCAA that needs its own facility. Unless the school also has a water polo or synchronized swimming team, most college swim teams have their own swimming pools and locker rooms. However, not all are built the same. Here is our list of the top 11 college swimming pools in the country.
11. LSU: LSU Natatorium
Louisiana State University has a 50-meter pool (or two 25-meter swimming pools). The facility was most recently upgraded in 2011 when they added state-of-the-art video boards. The pool can hold 2,200 spectators and holds strong as one of the best in the nation.
10. Denison University: Trumbull Aquatic Center
Denison University's pool was built in 2012 and cost $20 million. The pool is 50 meters long and 25 yards wide and fits over 750 people. The facility also includes a whirlpool spa, two video boards, and a modern timing and scoring system.
9. Minnesota: Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center
The University of Minnesota pool is by far one of the best college pools in the nation. The aquatic center was built in 1990 and cost $11 million. The pool is a 50-meter, 8-lane pool and seats 2,550 total people. Minnesota has hosted big tournaments like the Big Ten Championships and the Division I NCAA Championships.
8. IUPUI: IUPUI Natatorium
The Indiana University–Purdue University–Indianapolis facility is the largest indoor pool in the United States. The pool is a 50-meter, 8-lane pool and seats 6,200. It recently underwent a $30 million renovation and has been home to 100 swimming records.
7. Alabama: Alabama Aquatic Center and Don Gambril Olympic Pool
In 2019, the University of Alabama swimming pool underwent a $20 million renovation. It is a 25-yard by 25-meter pool and has 1 and 3-meter diving boards. The facility also features men's and women's locker rooms, a nutrition station, a dryland facility, and a team lounge.
6. Princeton: DeNunzio Pool
Princeton University has a 50-meter by 25-yard pool. It can seat 1,700 people and the depth runs from 9 feet to 17 feet deep. The pool has hosted multiple Ivy League Championships and is the home to numerous Olympic gold medalists.
5. Yale: Robert Kiphuth Memorial Exhibition Pool
The Yale University has a 25-yard, 6-lane pool that was built in 1932. The seating in the aquatic center is the highlight of the pool. There are 2,187 seats and are at an angle so that every seat has a great view of the pool.
4. Stanford: Avery Aquatic Center
Stanford University has one of the nicest outdoor pools in the country. The facility can seat 2,480 people. The pool is 37 meters by 20 meters and can be up to 14 feet deep. This facility is home to the men's and women's swim and dive and water polo teams, as well as the synchronized swimming team.
3. Ohio State: McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion
The Ohio State University aquatic center features a 50-meter pool and seats 1,400. This pool is home to the men's and women's varsity and club swim and dive teams and the synchronized swimming team.
2. UT-Austin: Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center
The University of Texas-Austin is considered one of the fastest pools in the world. The 50-meter pool is 9 feet deep with a movable bulkhead. The diving pool features an 18-foot diving well and 1, 3, 5, 7.5, and 10-meter diving towers.
1. Georgia Tech: McAuley Aquatic Center
The aquatic center at the Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the nicest pools in the country. It is a 50-meter, 10-lane pool and it seats 1,900. It even features a movable floor that can go as deep as 7 feet, 8 inches. The aquatic center was newly renovated and cost $45 million.
